Bioactive film-forming composition for control of crawling insects and the like

ABSTRACT

A film-forming bioactive composition for control of crawling insects and the like is disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of producing and utilizing the bioactive composition. The bioactive composition comprises a water-in-oil emulsion, a lubricating agent also dispersed throughout the emulsion. The water-in-oil emulsion comprises a continuous phase, an aqueous discontinuous phase, and an emulsifier system for dispersing the discontinuous phase throughout the continuous phase. The bioactive composition of the present invention is characterized in that after particles of the instant bioactive composition have been applied to a surface, a substantial portion of the continuous and discontinuous phases will evaporate over time, leaving a residual film on the surface. Such film comprises the emulsifier system, the bioactive ingredient, and the lubricating agent. The film not only effectively and substantially adheres to the surface for an extended period of time while retaining a high degree of residuality, but the surface-applied bioactive ingredient-containing residue is itself sufficiently slippery to pests such as crawling insects and the like, thereby providing a substantial and effective positive barrier for controlling crawling pests of this type.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention is directed to a bioactive film-forming composition, forcontrol of crawling insects such as cockroaches, sewer flies andcrickets, and other crawling arthropods such as arachnids. Moreparticularly, the present invention is directed to such a bioactivefilm-forming composition, which is a liquid and generally adapted toadhere to a surface, for providing an effective barrier against crawlinginsects and the like.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is well-recognized, in the crawling-insect control art, that onecommon means of access of crawling insects and the like into a dwellingor office building is via openings such as open sewer pipes, drain linessuch as from showers, bath tubs and sinks, and the like.

Use of aerosol insecticidal compositions, for insect-control purposes,is well known. For example, British Pat. No. 1,107,104 (to Mitchell etal.) discloses an aerosol-dispensed, insecticidally-active compositionwhich is applied as a spray. Specifically, Mitchell et al. teachproducing a mist that is formulated to remain air-borne for a desiredperiod of time. In the art, such a mist-type aerosol insecticide isreferred to as a "flying insect killer" or FIK-type insecticide. Incontradistinction, the instant bioactive composition, when dispensed asan aerosol, is formulated to be applied onto a surface, and further, isspecifically formulated to adhere effectively and substantially to thatsurface.

Use of repellent compositions, for insect-control purposes, is also wellknown. For example, Japanese Pat. Document No. 141375 (to Mikasa)teaches such compositions. In particular, the Mikasa disclosure teachesan aerosol-dispensible composition that is used for repelling a widevariety of organisms, including insects. Still more particularly, theMikasa composition is disclosed as comprising an original tackysolution. In contradistinction, the bioactive composition of the presentinvention is generally not tacky to the touch, but rather is slippery.

Throughout my patent application, certain terms will be defined andotherwise utilized for purposes of conciseness, and for purposes ofelucidating the features and advantages of the present invention. One ofthese terms is defined hereinbelow.

The term "residuality" as used herein, in reference to a bioactivecomposition, means to leave an active ingredient-containing residue suchas a film on a surface. Typically, the residue includes, in addition tothe active ingredient, a number of other ingredients. In the broadsense, the term "residuality" as used herein relates to the residue,including the active ingredient, that is left on the surface, and whichis able to maintain its activity for extended periods of time, i.e. upto six weeks and even more, even though there is a breakdown ordecomposition of the residue, including the active ingredient, over timedue to exposure to sunlight and the like.

Many conventional bioactive compositions, such as those known in the artas "crawling insect killers" (or CIK-type insecticides), whethersolvent-based or water based, generally leave (on the surface onto whichthey are applied) only the bioactive ingredients and very little residueor film (exclusive of the active ingredients), for binding the bioactiveingredient to the surface. One problem that is met, of course, is thatvery little of the bioactive ingredient remains on the surface for anextended period of time, relative to the total amount of bioactivecomposition that is utilized. Unfortunately, most bioactive compositionsof this type (i.e. CIKs that are formulated to leave a residue) tend tosag, and some even tend to run, when applied to a substantially verticalsurface. While a sagging bioactive composition may be visuallyunacceptable to most consumers, bioactive compositions that run down asloped surface are not only messy but generally ineffective for intendedpurposes as well.

Accordingly, bioactive compositions that effectively adhere to a surfacefor extended periods of time, while retaining a high degree ofresiduality, are currently in demand. Surprisingly, I have discovered abioactive composition that not only substantially and effectivelyadheres to a surface for an extended period of time while retaining ahigh degree of residuality, but the surface-applied bioactiveingredient-containing residue is itself sufficiently slippery tocrawling insects and the like as to provide a positive barrier forcontrol of these crawling pests.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a bioactive film-formingcomposition for control of pests such as crawling insects and the like.

The bioactive composition of the present invention comprises awater-in-oil emulsion, a bioactive ingredient dispersed throughout theemulsion, and a lubricating agent also dispersed throughout theemulsion.

The water-in-oil emulsion comprises a continuous phase, an aqueousdiscontinuous phase, and an emulsifier system for dispersing thediscontinuous phase throughout the continuous phase.

The bioactive composition of the present invention is characterized inthat after particles of the instant bioactive composition have beenapplied to a surface, a substantial portion of the continuous anddiscontinuous phases will evaporate over time, leaving a residual filmon the surface. Such film comprises the emulsifier system, the bioactiveingredient, and the lubricating agent. The film not only effectively andsubstantially adheres to the surface for an extended period of timewhile retaining a high degree of residuality, but the surface-appliedbioactive ingredient-containing residue is itself sufficiently slipperyto pests such as crawling insects and the like, thereby providing asubstantial and effective positive barrier for controlling crawlingpests of this type.

The bioactive composition may further preferably include additional,optional ingredients if desired.

Illustrative methods of producing and utilizing the bioactivefilm-forming composition of my present invention are presentedhereinbelow.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

While the present invention is susceptible to embodiment in variousforms, it is to be understood that the below-presented examplesembodying some of the principles of the present invention are merelyillustrative and are not to be intended as limiting the scope of myinvention.

As I briefly mentioned above, certain terms will be defined andotherwise utilized for purposes of conciseness, and to otherwiseelucidate the features and advantages of the present invention.

The term "bioactive composition" as used herein means a compositionwhich includes a "bioactive ingredient", wherein the bioactiveingredient can be an insecticidally-active ingredient, aninsect-repellent ingredient, or both. Also, because it is known thatcertain compounds function not only as toxicants but also asrepellents--for certain insects and other arthropods--it is furthercontemplated that the bioactive ingredient of the present invention may,at times, exhibit dual activity of this sort.

The term "crawling insect" as used herein is defined in a broad senseand includes--in addition to insects--other crawling arthropods such asarachnids as well.

The bioactive film-forming composition of the present invention controlscrawling insects and the like by providing a substantial and effectivepositive barrier.

As briefly mentioned above, the bioactive composition of the presentinvention comprises a water-in-oil emulsion, a bioactive ingredientdispersed throughout the emulsion, and a lubricating agent alsodispersed throughout the emulsion.

The water-in-oil emulsion (sometimes referred to as an "oil-out"emulsion in the art) is present in the bioactive composition in anamount of about 60 to about 99.9 wt. %, preferably about 80 to about 99wt. %, and more preferably about 90 to about 99 wt. %, based upon theweight of the bioactive composition.

The bioactive ingredient is present in an amount effective to killand/or repel crawling insects. For example, the bioactive ingredient isgenerally present in the bioactive composition in an amount of about0.01 to about 5 wt. %, preferably about 0.05 to about 2 wt. %, and morepreferably about 0.1 to about 1 wt. %, based upon the weight of thebioactive composition.

The lubricating agent is present in the bioactive composition in anamount of about .1 to about 40 wt. %, preferably about 1 to about 20 wt.%, and more preferably about 1 to about 5 wt. %, based upon the weightof the bioactive composition.

As mentioned above, the water-in-oil emulsion comprises a continuousphase, an aqueous discontinuous phase, and an emulsifier system fordispersing the discontinuous phase throughout the continuous phase.

Based upon the weight of the bioactive composition, the continuous phaseis present in an amount of about 2 to about 40 wt. %, preferably about 4to about 20 wt. %, and more preferably about 5 to about 15 wt. %.

The aqueous, discontinuous phase comprises water.

The aqueous, discontinuous phase is present in an amount of about 55 toabout 98 wt. %, preferably about 70 to about 95 wt. %, and morepreferably about 80 to about 90 wt. %, based upon the weight of thebioactive composition.

The emulsifier system is present, in the bioactive composition, in anamount of about .1 to about 5 wt. %, preferably about 0.2 to about 2 wt.%, and more preferably about 0.5 to about 2 wt. %, based upon the weightof the bioactive composition.

The bioactive composition of the present invention is furthercharacterized as leaving a surface-applied, bioactiveingredient-containing residual film that is substantially waterresistant. One method of applying the water-resistant residual film tosuch a surface is briefly described as follows.

After particles of the above-described, substantially evaporablebioactive composition have been applied to the surface, a substantialportion of the continuous and discontinuous phases will eventuallyevaporate over time, leaving on the surface a residual, substantiallywater-resistant film. As mentioned above, the surface-adhering residualfilm comprises the emulsifier system, the bioactive ingredient, and thelubricating agent. Such film not only substantially and effectivelyadheres to the surface for an extended period of time while retaining arelatively high degree of residuality, but the surface-applied bioactiveingredient-containing residue is itself sufficiently slippery to mostcrawling pests, such as insects and the like, as to provide asubstantial and effective positive barrier for controlably preventingthese crawling pests from entering a home or office building.

One feature of the bioactive film-forming composition of the presentinvention is the relatively slippery, surface-adhering crawling insectbarrier mentioned above. Further in accordance with the principles ofthe present invention, it can be appreciated that the "slippery"-qualityfeature of the present invention can be altered as desired.

For example, in some applications, it is desirable that the residualfilm present a relatively extremely slippery surface to crawling insectsand the like. Accordingly, by selecting a suitable lubricating agent, Ihave not only observed that selected formulations of my bioactivecomposition effectively adhere to a substantially vertical surfacewithout sagging or running down the surface, but I have further observedthat the surface-adhering, substantially water-resistant residual filmthat remains on the substantially vertical surface after most of thecontinuous and discontinuous phases have evaporated is so slippery thatvirtually no crawling insect was able to cross it.

Another feature of the present invention is the "lasting" effect of theresidual film. That is, by selecting suitable bioactive compositioningredients, the substantially water-resistant residual film caneffectively adhere to a surface for extended periods of time, such as 6weeks and even more, while substantially retaining its bioactivecharacter over this period of time.

While it can be appreciated that some toxicants have repellent qualities(as least toward selected species of insects and other arthropods) itcan also be appreciated that many repellents are not toxic to mostcrawling insects and the like.

Accordingly (and as mentioned above), the bioactive ingredient of thepresent invention can be a toxicant, can be a repellent, or can be amixture comprising a toxicant and a repellent.

It can further be appreciated, in view of the "slipperiness" quality ofthe present invention, that the "physical barrier" aspect of the presentcomposition, even without inclusion of the bioactive ingredient, can bean effective and substantial positive barrier for controling entry bycrawling insects and the like into a home or office building viaopenings (as mentioned above).

Yet in other applications, it is desirable that the residual film besomewhat slippery but generally traverseable by crawling insects. Forexample, in one such application it may be desirable for a consumer to"see" the remains of a dead insect (to achieve a psychological or othereffect). That is, the slipperiness quality of the residual film can beadjusted, by e.g. reducing the relative amount of lubricating agent, byselecting a suitable lubricating agent to achieve the desired,less-slippery effect, or the bioactive composition itself can bereformulated to include suitable, optional ingredients such as waxes,powders and the like which would tend to achieve the desired,less-slippery effect, while retaining in the reformulated bioactivecomposition an effective amount of the insecticidally-active ingredient,so that the band of residual film (of predetermined width) that forms onthe surface has a desired time for killing contact.

While in still other applications, it is desirable that the residualfilm volatilize over time; and it can be appreciated that the presentcomposition can include a suitable, volatilizable lubricating agent sothat the residual film will volatilize over time, as desired.

The bioactive film-forming composition of the present invention has aviscosity effective to enable particles (of the bioactive composition)to substantially and effectively adhere to a surface. The bioactivecomposition accordingly has a viscosity of about 50 to about 30,000centistokes, preferably about 500 to about 10,000 centistokes, and morepreferably about 2,000 to about 8,000 centistokes.

As mentioned above, the water-in-oil emulsion comprises a continuousphase, an aqueous discontinuous phase, and an emulsifier system fordispersing the discontinuous phase throughout the continuous phase.

The continuous phase comprises a nonaqueous hydrocarbon-based solvent.

Illustrative of suitable hydrocarbon solvents useful in accordance withthe present invention are those having boiling ranges of about 80° toabout 200° C. and preferably having boiling ranges of about 95° to about150° C. Isoparaffinic hydrocarbon solvents such as those commerciallyavailable from Exxon Corporation under the brand name "Isopar", areespecially suitable.

A presently preferred solvent is selected from the group consisting ofkerosene, mineral spirits, isoparaffinic hydrocarbons, and the like.

For any one of the above-mentioned solvents, the relative amount ofsolvent that is present in the bioactive composition, can be varied tomake the bioactive composition more viscous or less viscous, as desired.Generally, decreasing the amount of solvent relative to the aqueousdiscontinuous phase, with emulsification, causes the resultant emulsionto become more paste-like; and increasing the amount of solvent relativeto the aqueous discontinuous phase, with emulsification, tends to lowerthe viscosity of the resultant emulsion. Too low of a viscosity maycause the bioactive composition to run or sag, which is (as indicatedabove) undesirable.

As briefly mentioned above, a suitable bioactive ingredient, inaccordance with the principles of the present invention, might exhibitinsecticidally-active characteristics, might exhibit or possessinsect-repellent characteristics, or might exhibit some degree of both.

A suitable bioactive ingredient must be capable of being dispersedthroughout the continuous phase. Certain suitable bioactive ingredientsare relatively soluble in the continuous phase.

Illustrative of the insecticidally-active ingredients that are suitable,for purposes of the present invention, include cypermethrin, othersynthetic pyrethroids (such as permethrin, deltamethrin, alphamethrin,and cyphenothrin and the like), natural pyrethrum, organo phosphates,and the like. One such suitable organo phosphate is known in the art byits brand name "Dursban" (i.e. chlorpyrifos).

A presently preferred insecticidally-active ingredient is selected fromthe group consisting of cypermethrin and permethrin.

Suitable insect-repellent ingredients include certain syntheticpyrethroids (i.e. such as those having intrinsic repellancy),N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide (usually referred to as "Deet" in the art),BHA and BHT (see, e.g., Nutrition and Food, Vol. 14, pages 378-383, byKajimoto et al., published 1962), and Botanicals such as Neem extract(see, e.g., "Natural Pesticides from the Neem Tree", Proceedings of theFirst International Neem Conference, Rottach-Egern, Federal Republic ofGermany, 16-18 June, 1980, by H. Schmutterer, K. R. S. Ascher, and H.Rembold), Sembury extract, and the like. (Although, for some emulsions,it may be desirable to utilize relatively low levels of Deet in order toavoid well-known, undersirable effects.)

As mentioned above, the emulsifier system is utilized to disperse theaqueous, discontinuous phase throughout the continuous phase.

Suitable emulsifier systems, in accordance with the present invention,are selected from the group consisting of a liquid, nonionic sorbitanmonooleate having an HLB value of about 4.3 (such as that having thebrand name "Span 80"), a mixture comprising the above-mentioned liquid,nonionic sorbitan monooleate having an HLB value of about 4.3 (e.g."Span 80") and a liquid, nonionic sorbitan monooleate polysorbate havingan HLB value of about 15 (such as that having the brand name "Tween 80")and an ethoxylated fatty acid (such as stearic acid) having about 3.5moles of ethylene oxide per mole of stearic acid (such as that havingthe brand name "Ethofat 3.5 MEO"), and the like.

A presently preferred emulsifier system is selected from the groupconsisting of the mixture comprising Span 80 and Tween 80, and themixture comprising Span 80 and Ethofat 3.5 MEO.

In the emulsifier system mixture comprising Span 80 and Tween 80, asuitable level of the first ingredient, for purposes of the presentinvention, is about 85 to about 100 wt. % Span 80, preferably above 90to about 100 wt. % Span 80, and more preferably about 90 to about 95 wt.% Span 80, with the balance of this emulsifier system mixture beingTween 80, based upon the weight of the emulsifier system mixture.

Whereas in the emulsifier system mixture comprising Span 80 and Ethofat3.5 MEO, a suitable level of the first ingredient, for purposes of thepresent invention, is about 20 to about 35 wt. % Span 80, preferablyabout 25 to about 30 wt. % Span 80, and more preferably about 27 wt. %Span 80, with the balance of this emulsifier system mixture beingEthofat 3.5 MEO, based upon the weight of the emulsifier system mixture.

Suitable lubricating agents, in accordance with the principles of thepresent invention, include silicones, mineral oils, petroleum,polybutenes, and the like, and blends of each of these (i.e. each suchlubricating agent including a blend of different molecular weights andviscosities of any one of the above-named lubricating-agent types).

Illustrative of the silicones that are suitable for purposes of thepresent invention are the organic polysiloxanes including polydialkylsiloxane, polyalkylaryl siloxane, and polydiaryl siloxane. Polysiloxanessuch as polydimethyl siloxane, polydiethyl siloxane, polymethylethylsiloxane, polymethylphenyl siloxane, and copolymers of two or more ofsuch siloxanes are exemplary of the materials which can be used.Polydimethyl siloxane is especially preferred, particularly combinationsof the polydimethyl siloxanes having different viscosities ranging atfrom about 5 to about 50,000 centistokes, and preferably at from about100 to about 10,000 centistokes.

A presently preferred lubricating agent is selected from the groupconsisting of mineral oil and silicone. An especially preferred siliconeis a dimethyl polysiloxane fluid having a viscosity, at room temperature(i.e. about 25° C.), of about 500 centistokes (one such silicone havingthe brand name "Dow Corning 200 Fluid", commercially available from DowCorning of Midland, Michigan).

The film-forming bioactive composition of the present invention can bedispensed from various types of dispensing systems and equipmentincluding, but not limited to, spray guns and portable aerosol cans, forproviding an advantageous way of applying the bioactive composition ofthe present invention onto a variety of surfaces such as on surfacessurrounding cracks and crevices, beneath doors and around windows, inpipe and other conduit, for providing the positive barrier mentionedabove.

For convenience, the bioactive film-forming composition of the presentinvention further preferably comprises an effective amount of apropellent, to enable the bioactive film-forming composition of thepresent invention to be dispersed in an aerosol form so that the presentcomposition can conveniently and effectively be applied to a desiredsurface.

Suitable propellents for these purposes include, but are not limited to,liquified and compressed gases.

Illustrative of suitable liquified gases, for purposes of the presentinvention, are hydrocarbon propellents (such as the commerciallyavailable C₁ to C₄ hydrocarbons), and hydrofluorocarbon propellents andother halogenated propellents (such as a variety of commerciallyavailable halogenated propellents, known in the art by the brand names"Freon", "Dymel", "Genetron", "Isotron", and the like). Illustrative ofthe preferred hydrocarbon propellents are propane, n-butane, isobutane,and mixtures thereof. Suitable compressed gases include air, nitrogen,nitrous oxide, and carbon dioxide.

A presently preferred propellent, known in the art as "A-46", has avapor pressure of about 46 pounds per square inch gauge (psig) andcomprises about 80 mole percent isobutane and about 20 mole percentpropane.

When the bioactive composition of the present invention comprises (1)the water-in-oil emulsion, (2) the bioactive ingredient, (3) thelubricating agent, and (4) the propellent, the propellent is present inan amount of about 4 to about 50 wt. %, preferably about 8 to about 30wt. %, and more preferably about 15 to about 25 wt. %, based upon theweight of the bioactive composition as defined herein.

When the bioactive composition includes the propellent, it may benecessary to increase or decrease the relative amounts of solvent andlubricating agent, to maintain a desired viscosity range or value forthe bioactive composition.

As briefly mentioned above, the film-forming bioactive composition canadvantageously further comprise additional, optional ingredients.

One such optional ingredient, a wax that is known in the art as "TanMicrocrystalline Wax, 165/170" (i.e. a synthetic wax), is utilized tobetter control the degree by which the present film-forming bioactivecomposition attaches to a desired surface. In the alternative (or inaddition to the above stated purpose), the wax can further be utilizedto lessen the probability that the bioactive film-forming compositionwill sag when applied to the surface. Other suitable wax ingredients ofthis sort include a synthetic wax ingredient known in the art as"Microwax 150/160", including the synthetic waxes generally referred toas paraffin waxes, and the natural waxes such as beeswax, candelilla andcarnauba.

In addition to the above-identified optional ingredients, the bioactivefilm-forming composition of the present invention can further optionallyinclude a fragrance, a microorganism growth inhibitor or preservative,and/or a metal-corrosion inhibitor. It can be appreciated that inclusionof a preservative and/or a metal-corrosion inhibitor may be desirable(depending upon the application and/or use), for a variety of reasons.One presently preferred microorganism growth inhibitor or preservativeis formaldehyde.

The bioactive film-forming composition of the present invention canstill further optionally include a disinfectant agent, a dye or pigmentto produce colored films, cleansing agents to clean the surface ontowhich the film is applied, and the like, if desired.

Additional optional ingredients include perfumes, powdered silicas andother powdered ingredients, and the like.

Further principles of the present invention can be ascertained from thefollowing examples.

EXAMPLE 1

Bioactive composition, able to adhere to a surface and produce awater-insoluble film, for providing a water-resistant insect barrier

    ______________________________________                                        Ingredient  Function Served   Wt.-%                                           ______________________________________                                        Kerosene    Solvent utilized to provide                                                                     6.00                                                        the continuous phase                                              Water       Utilized to provide the                                                                         69.80                                                       discontinuous phase                                               Cypermethrin                                                                              Bioactive ingredient                                                                            0.30                                            Span 80     First ingredient of the                                                                         0.93                                                        emulsifier system                                                 Tween 80    Second ingredient of the                                                                        0.07                                                        emulsifier system                                                 Silicone    Lubricating agent 2.00                                            Tan         Optional ingredient. Affects                                                                    0.70                                            Microcrystalline                                                                          the coefficient of friction                                       Wax 165/170 of a surface, to render the                                                   surface more/less slippery                                                    and/or more tacky                                                 Formaldehyde                                                                              Optional ingredient.                                                                            0.20                                                        Growth inhibitor or                                                           preservative                                                      "A-46"      Optional ingredient. Used to                                                                    20.00                                           Propellent  produce the desired aerosol                                                   droplet or particle size                                          ______________________________________                                    

EXAMPLE 2

Method of producing the film-forming bioactive composition of example 1

The optional synthetic wax ingredient was placed into a suitablecontainer and was heated, at a temperature of about 75° to about 80° C.,for melting the wax. Next, the silicone, the cypermethrin, the kerosene,and the emulsifier system ingredients, were added into the container andincorporated into the melted wax, utilizing agitation, thereby producingthe continuous phase. The optional formaldehyde ingredient and the waterwere next combined at room temperature (i.e. about 25° C.), utilizingagitation, in a separate suitable container, thereby producing theaqueous discontinuous phase. Then the continuous and aqueousdiscontinuous phases were combined, preferably relatively slowly andutilizing agitation, thereby producing the bioactive film-formingcomposition of the present invention. Preferably, the aqueousdiscontinuous phase was poured into the continuous phase. (Typically, awhite emulsion, which thickens considerably in viscosity with theaddition of the water phase, will be observed to form). The bioactivecomposition containing the optional ingredients was then placed togetherwith the propellent in an aerosol container, and the aerosol containersealed and pressurized.

What has been described herein is a novel bioactive film-formingcomposition for control of crawling insects and the like. While thenovel composition including the method of producing the composition havebeen described with reference to preferred embodiments, the invention isnot limited thereto.

For example, the bioactive composition discussed herein is preferablyutilized to produce a residual, bioactive, water-resistant film on asurface. Because the residual film is an oil-out emulsion, it readilyadheres to most vertical surfaces without sagging. In particular, within24 hours after the bioactive composition is applied to a surface, mostof the volatilizable ingredients (i.e. most of the continuous anddiscontinuous phases) will have evaporated leaving behind a relativelythin, water-resistant, often semi-transparent film containing thebioactive ingredients. Moreover, because the film-forming and bioactiveingredients that are utilized are water insoluble, the film whichadheres to the surface not only contains the bioactive ingredients butalso is water resistant (i.e. after the volatilizable components of thebioactive composition evaporate).

Advantageously, the residual film does not build up on drains and pipesbecause the film that is deposited is normally very thin, so that such afilm typically eventually wears away through normal use of the pipes,using water, detergents and the like.

Moreover, such a film can specifically be formulated to be oily and veryslippery, for preventing crawling insects from climbing along asubstantially vertical surface. Yet the film substantially andeffectively adheres to the surface without sagging.

In the event that crawling insects are able to traverse the film-treatedsurface (i.e. crossing the bioactive film when the film is applied, forexample, to a horizontal surface), the presence in the bioactivecomposition of an effective amount of a suitable insecticidally-activeingredient substantially insures desired "insect kill", if the crawlinginsect has made contact with the film.

Moreover, a variety of commercially-available emulsifier systems can beutilized to affect the nature of the oil-out emulsion, as desired.

Still further, the relative proportions of the various ingredients, suchas silicone, mineral oil, and wax, can readily be altered to increase ordecrease the degree of residual film slipperiness and/or the ability ofthe residual film to adhere to a substantially vertical surface withoutsagging.

Thus, alternatives, changes or modifications will become apparent tothose skilled in the art upon reading the foregoing description.Accordingly, such alternatives, changes and modifications are to beconsidered as forming a part of my invention insofar as they fall withinthe spirit and scope of the appended claims.

I claim:
 1. An evaporable bioactive composition, characterized as beingable to form a bioactive film on a surface of control of crawlinginsects and the like, comprising:a water-in-oil emulsion; a bioactiveingredient dispersed throughout the emulsion, wherein the bioactiveingredient is selected from the group consisting of aninsecticidally-active ingredient, an insect-repellent ingredient, andcombinations thereof, wherein the insecticidally-active ingredient isselected from the group consisting of synthetic pyrethroids, naturalpyrethrum, and organo phosphates, and wherein the insect-repellentingredient is selected from the group consisting of syntheticpyrethroids having intrinsic repellancy, N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide,BHA, BHT, Neem extract and Sembury extract; and a lubricating agent alsodispersed throughout the emulsion, wherein the lubricating agent ispresent in an amount of about 1 to about 20 weight percent based uponthe weight of the bioactive composition, wherein the lubricating agentis selected from the group consisting of silicones, mineral oils,petrolatum and polybutenes, and blends of each of these, wherein thewater-in-oil emulsion comprises a continuous phase, an aqueousdiscontinuous phase, and an effective amount of an emulsifier system fordispersing the discontinuous phase throughout the continuous phase,wherein the bioactive composition is characterized in that afterparticles of the bioactive composition have been applied to a surface, asubstantial portion of the continuous and discontinuous phases willevaporate over time, thereby leaving a bioactive film on the surface,and wherein the film is characterized as comprising the emulsifiersystem, the bioactive ingredient, and the lubricating agent, whereby thefilm effectively and substantially adheres to the surface for anextended period of time while retaining a high degree of residuality,thereby providing a substantial and effective positive barrier forcontrol of crawling insects and the like.
 2. The bioactive compositionin accordance with claim 1 wherein the discontinuous phase compriseswater, and wherein the continuous phase comprises a solvent selectedfrom the group consisting of kerosene, mineral spirits, andisoparaffinic hydrocarbons.
 3. The bioactive composition in accordancewith claim 1 wherein the insecticidally-active ingredient is selectedfrom the group consisting of cypermethrin and permethrin.
 4. Thebioactive composition in accordance with claim 1 wherein the emulsifiersystem comprises a liquid, nonionic sorbitan monooleate having a HLBvalue of about 4.3.
 5. The bioactive composition in accordance withclaim 4 wherein the emulsifier system further comprises a liquid,nonionic sorbitan monooleate polysorbate having an HLB value of about15.
 6. The bioactive composition in accordance with claim 4 wherein theemulsifier system further comprises an ethoxylated stearic fatty acidhaving about 3.5 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of stearic acid. 7.The bioactive composition in accordance with claim 1 and furthercomprising a propellent.
 8. The bioactive composition in accordance withclaim 7 wherein the propellent is about 80 mole percent isobutane andabout 20 mole percent propane.
 9. The bioactive composition inaccordance with claim 7 and further comprising a synthetic wax.
 10. Thebioactive composition in accordance with claim 9 and further comprisingformaldehyde.